Topics 2008・09
September 25 (Thurs) Autumn Takasago Senior Citizens Traffic Safety Workshop
As a part of the 2008 National Traffic Safety Activities, the Autumn Takasago Senior
Citizens Traffic Safety Workshop was held in courtyard of the Saitama Prefectural
Government Office main building. Recently more elderly citizens are using electric
wheelchairs so improving mastery of maneuver them was a part of the activities. Governor
Ueda said in his greeting “preventing traffic accidents involving senior citizens is
a serious issue. We need to work toward a zero traffic accident death toll to realize
a safe and secure Saitama.” The Governor also test-drove an electric wheel chair.
September 22 (Mon) Conclusion of Agreement to Tackle Reducing Plastic Shopping Bags
Saitama Prefectural Government concluded an agreement on the 22nd with 18 business
persons, 3 consumer and environmental groups to tackle reducing plastic shopping bags.
The purpose of collaborative efforts of businesses, groups and the government to
reduce the use of plastic shopping bags and develop a cyclical society to prevent
global warming and aim to leave the environment clean, for the next generation to inherit.
The prefecture called for the move to stop shopping bags from being distributed free of
charge in the largest scale collaborative effort in Japan (current as of September
1st 2008). At the conclusion of agreement ceremony the Governor called for support
saying “a system to charge for plastic shopping bags is necessary.”
September 22 (Mon) Urgent Request for Financial Facilitation for Financial Institutes
On the 22nd, the governor made a request to the Saitama Banking Association to
facilitate fund management of small to medium sized enterprises in Saitama Prefecture.
This request was made amid increasing worldwide financial instability, and was to
ask for the maintenance of a positive approach to loans from financial institutions
for small to medium businesses in Saitama Prefecture. The Governor made the request
saying “I hope to receive your maximum consideration, and I ask for consideration from
the member banks also.” President of the Saitama Banking Association Mr. Kawada
responded “The prefectural economy is supported by small to medium sized businesses
and this is an issue that should be given top priority. We are continuing to work on
facilitating financing.”
September 19 (Fri) Winner at the 3rd Youth Creative Skills Competition visits Governor Ueda
Saki Hashimoto, 2nd year Monotsukuri University Student received the Minister of Health
Labor and Welfare Award after coming 1st in the construction carpentry filed at the
Youth Creative Skills Competition held from August 6 – 8. On the 19th, she visited
Governor Ueda. The aim of this competition, which was open to youth who are under 20
years of age and not employed, was to raise awareness about the creative skills of youth.
The Governor noted that “construction carpentry is a traditional skill and it’s very
important. I hope you’ll polish your skills and that young people will continue to
demonstrate such excellent skills.”
September 19 (Fri) Departure Ceremony for “Autumn National Traffic Safety Activity”
Today, a departure ceremony for the Autumn National Traffic Safety Activity, which will
commence on the 21st, was held in the parking lot of Kawagoe Suijo Koen (Kawagoe City).
At the ceremony were approximately 150 people from traffic police, and 130 police cars
and bikes. The Governor said “I pray this will lead to a further decrease in traffic
related deaths, and also given the severity of the situation I am very grateful for the
full efforts you are pouring into this with your high sense of morals.” The governor
encouraged police officers and traffic safety volunteer groups involved with strengthening
guidance and educational activities.
September 19 (Fri) The 34th Saitama Local Welfare Commissioner and Child Welfare Commissioner Convention
The 34th Saitama Local Welfare Commissioner and Child Welfare Commissioner Convention was held at the Saitama Hall (Saitama City) on the 19th. This event is held every year with the aim of strengthening regional activities and reaffirming the roles of Local Welfare Commissioners and Child Welfare Commissioners who carry out consultation and support to residents daily. On the day, people who have achieved remarkable results were awarded in a ceremony. In front of 1,300 participants the Governor said, It is everyone here creating a society where people support one another. I hope you will keep up the good work for the good of regional societies.
September 16 (Tues) Sai no Kuni Sports Achievement Award Ceremony
Athletes from Saitama who won medals at the Beijing Olympics were presented with the Sai no
Kuni Sports Achievement Award on the 16th. This award is presented to persons or groups
that give hopes and dreams to the broader public and contribute to vibrancy and activity of
society. The Governor presented awards to Softball gold medalist Rie Sato, Men's
Gymnastics silver medalists Koki Sakamoto and Makoto Okiguchi, and Synchronized Duet bronze
medalist Emiko Suzuki. Governor Ueda said “I am awarding these to you as spokespersons for
the citizens of Saitama Prefecture. I am proud of all of you.”
September 13 (Sat) Saitama Crime Prevention and Traffic Safety Fair 2008
On the 13th and 14th of this month the Saitama Crime Prevention and Traffic Safety
Fair was held in the concourse in front of Saitama Shintoshin Station. At the fair,
surveillance cameras, reflectors, and other useful traffic safety goods were on display.
There was also a crime prevention and traffic safety classroom that issued children
with Child Safety License. The Governor made a welcoming speech at the opening
ceremony saying “With the support from so many different people, we can work toward
a safer and more secure town.” The Governor called on visitors to the fair to be aware
of crime prevention and traffic safety.
September 3 (Wed) – 10 (Wed) Governor Ueda Visits the United States of America
For 8 days from September 3rd to the 10th, Governor Ueda visited the United States to
attend a conference held by the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association. While in the U.S. he
attended an economic seminar, visited the Honda Indiana factory, the Midwest U.S.-Japan
Conference, had informal talks with business managers, and promoted investment in
Saitama and the economic climate of Saitama Prefecture. At the opening ceremony of
the Midwest U.S.-Japan Conference Governor Ueda emphasized the importance of a global
alliance and continuous effort.
September 1 (Mon) Urawa Reds Ladies Beijing Olympic Team Visit Governor Ueda
On the 1st three players from the Urawa Reds Ladies, the team chosen to represent Japan
at the Beijing Olympics visited Governor Ueda. The players reported their 4th place
result to Governor Ueda who praised them saying “You have played hard, and achieved a
fantastic result”, and mentioned his anticipation for their participation in world
level soccer. All 3 players, including Ms. Yanagita, Ms. Ando, and Ms. Yano play
defense positions for the team. They all expressed their ambition to continue playing
for the Reds Ladies team adding that “the fans have been supportive.”